Her voice was quiet. What do you need? I wanted to talk about what? About us. There isn't an us anymore.
I know. I waited. I've been thinking about the birthday. So have I. I know I ruined it.
You ruined more than a birthday. I know. She took a breath. I went to see Caleb again. I tightened my grip on the steering wheel.
Why are you telling me? Because I finally understand something. What? He never wanted what I thought he wanted. I didn't respond.
He told me he was sorry for what happened, but he didn't want to get back together. That isn't my problem. I know. Then why are you calling? Because I wanted to tell you the truth without trying to get anything from you.
I was quiet, she continued. I didn't leave you because Caleb was better. I never thought he was. I left because I was unhappy with myself and I blamed our marriage for it. That was the first thing she had said that didn't sound like an excuse, but it didn't change anything.
I wish you'd figured that out before you cheated. So do I. I looked at the road ahead. Janice, what do you want from me? Nothing.
She paused. I just wanted you to know I'm sorry. I believe you. That's it. What else do you want?
I don't know. I gave a small breath of laughter. You've said that a lot. I know. There was silence.
Then she said, "Your birthday is coming up again. " "I know. Are you doing anything? " "Yes. " "With someone? " "Yes. " She sounded surprised. Someone new. No, friends. Oh, neither of us spoke.
Then she said, "I hope it's good. " It will be. I wish I could go back. You can't. I know. This time I didn't feel angry hearing it.
I felt nothing that needed to be fixed. Take care, Janice. Justin. Yeah. Were you ever happy with me?
I thought about the question before answering. Yes. She started crying softly. I was happy with you, too. I know.
Then why does it feel like none of it mattered? Because it mattered. I looked out through the windshield, but it ended. She didn't say anything. After a few seconds, I heard her breathe in.
Goodbye, Justin. Goodbye. The call ended. I put the phone down and kept driving. A week later, my birthday arrived.
I woke up without checking my phone. No waiting, no wondering where my wife was. No empty chair across the table. That evening, Colin and a few friends took me to dinner. When they brought out the cake, everyone started laughing because Colin had somehow convinced the waiter to put the wrong age on it.